Sharing details of USIU student’s suicide note deepens family pain
In the last letter addressed to himself, the student said it was sad that he had reached to the point of taking his life.
What you need to know:
- Benedict Mberesero jumped to his death from a hostel building in Nairobi, leaving behind four suicide notes.
- Revealing specifics of his struggles could trigger distress among readers grappling with similar mental health issues.
The tragic suicide of Benedict Mberesero, a 21-year-old United States International University student, sparked a debate on the ethics of media coverage of sensitive subjects.
Mberesero jumped to his death from a hostel building in Nairobi, leaving behind four suicide notes addressed to his family and himself.
Readers showed enormous interest in the publication of the suicide notes. The publication presented a moral dilemma, as the Nation shared the notes with its readers in verbatim details in a story headlined “Varsity student pens four suicide notes before jumping to his death” (Daily Nation, December 5, 2024, page 3).
A number of readers queried why it was necessary to include the detailed notes in the story, arguing they violated the privacy rights of the family. The letter from Wandia Seaforth published on this page under “Readers Have Their Say,” reflects the main concerns raised by the readers.
The suicide notes reveal Mberesero’s emotional turmoil and familial discord, including accusations against his parents and reflections on his troubled childhood. However, the information contained in these notes raises critical ethical questions.
Sharing personal struggles invades Mberesero’s privacy. It also inflicts additional pain on his family, which was left to grieve the loss of their son while confronting the public disclosure of their intimate relationships.
Sensationalising the tragedy
Furthermore, revealing specifics of his emotional struggles could trigger distress among readers grappling with similar mental health issues. This phenomenon, referred to as “copycat behaviour”, underscores the responsibility the media have in handling such narratives with sensitivity. In highlighting details from the distressing notes, the media risk sensationalising the tragedy and overshadowing nuances of mental health discussions.
Ethical journalism should focus on the broader implications of Mberesero’s death, particularly the importance of mental health awareness and need for supportive environments for students. Instead of detailing the suicide notes, the media could emphasise the need for compassion and encouraging individuals to seek help.
The coverage could have been handled better. The reporter could have summarised the themes of the notes instead of quoting emotional excerpts. This approach would respect Mberesero’s privacy while informing the public about his struggles.
The story could avoid sensationalism by steering clear of detailed revelations that could be seen as offering someone’s private pain for public consumption.
It could incorporate expert insights on recognising signs of mental health distress and campus support. Including resources such as campus counselling information would encourage other students facing similar challenges to seek assistance. This, however, may require “Day Two” coverage.
Such coverage could focus on the university student’s life and achievements rather than solely the tragic circumstances of his death. That would ensure that his memory is treated with the dignity it deserves.
In conclusion, while the details surrounding Mberesero’s death are significant, it is necessary to report the story with compassion and ethical consideration.
***
One of the issues I have not dealt with is the question of informing the family before breaking the news , specifically raised by Wandia Seaforth. It is an important and complex issue. Generally, it is considered respectful and ethical for news firms to wait until the family has been notified before releasing such sensitive information. This practice helps to avoid adding to the family’s grief and ensures that they have the opportunity to process the news privately first.
However, the responsibility to inform the family about a death typically falls on the police or relevant authorities, not the media. Even so, many media organisations strive to balance the public’s right to know with respect for the individuals involved and their families, and so they may delay publication.
The media may also choose to publish before the family is informed under certain circumstances, including public interest. If the suicide highlights a significant public issue, such as mental health crises among students, bullying, or systemic problems within an institution, the media may argue that informing the public serves a larger societal purpose.
In addition, the media may argue the information is already widely known or reported by other sources, including social media. So it is okay for them to publish. In any case, the role of the media is generally to inform the public rather than directly inform the family.
The Public Editor is an independent news ombudsman who handles readers’ complaints on editorial matters including accuracy and journalistic standards. Email: [email protected]. Call or text 0721989264
